RTW with Noah on a KTM 690

[SuperTENERE]

Originally Posted by gnuse

I suspect Noah is intelligent enough to realize that this isn't about Dublin or Ireland, but one or a few bad people that might be found anywhere... ...

Very true .
Back in Paris, in the early eighties, a Very suspect person accosted us as we parked our bikes, just off rue de Rivoli.

It happened that he was a driver of a tour coach, and he merely wished to warn us NOT to leave the bike or luggage, unless it could be nailed to the ground !
(never judge a book, etc., ...)

[dirtrulz]

I had a bike stolen once. Got it back a year or so later after the jurry rigged throttle cable he had on it stuck wide open in third gear and he slammed the side of a neighbors rv. It was a husky 360 two stroke so he was likely doing over 50 when he hit the rv. Pretty much destroyed the bike but he was stuck with thousands in hospital bills and fines. He paid me small checks every month until the bike was paid for. Poetic justice. Even the cops thought it was funny. They checked a pickup he had parked at his buddies house and found it was stolen too.

Having something stolen form you just leaves you feeling violated and very angry, If you cant afford it you probably dont need it, dont steal fromt hose who work hard to get what they want.

[Comrade Art]

You haven't posted anything since 8/14; how are things working out with the new bike?

[GSF1200S]

Originally Posted by NCK

I really love all the positive energy that's come Noah's way since his bike was stolen. You folks are great, wonderful and positive people. Especially the fund, raising over a grand to keep him moving. Just awesome, I love this forum and the people who support each other on here.

That said, as I've read the pages of joy that have come about after it's been figured out where he's gonig to buy a new bike, I don't want us to lose sight of what I still understand to be accurate: He's out at least $15,000 + cost of the new bike he's buying. That money that's simply just gone. As wonderful as the developments have been and great as this community is, I know that if that happened (or happens) to me during my trip, it would just about end my trip. ($15k is a third of my total trip budget!). That reality remains, at least in my mind, a bit heartbreaking, and I hope we don't lose sight of it becuase it's not like just because he found another bike, all is made okay again.

Anyway brother: Onward and upward. There is simply no other direction to go. 'Get busy living, or get busy dying'. More power to everyone for their positivity. Yahoo, and keep it up.

I agree with you; its an odd place to find me positive about something like this. Like you said, it is important we remember the financial negatives in this situation- i certainly dont want to gloss over the truth..

[SR1]

I had a 990 Adventure ripped off outside of London last year, screwed up my trip too. Good luck to you.

[RoninMoto]

I want to thank all of you who have sent me emails, called, and helped me out. In the past couple weeks I have received hundreds of emails and messages from all over the world offering support. My family was very worried and I am not sure how I will ever express our gratitude to all of you who have helped me, a total stranger.

A special thank you to:

Peter Bookey of Aaron Rider Training
Peter and his family gave me a place to stay, food, many pints of Guinness and a KTM 640 ADV to use for a couple days in Ireland. Peter took time off work to show me around the Emerald Island and I am very great full for our time together. It was great craic! Peter even gave me a ride to the UK on the back of his BMW.
http://www.aaronridertraining.com


Peter has a "confused" BMW. It thinks its a KTM



Paul Rawlins of Celtic Rider Cycle Rental and Tours
After searching for days to try to get insurance figured out on Peter's 640, Paul was able to insure me under his policy. This is the ONLY motorcycle rental company in Ireland. They are nice people and they have great machines.
http://www.motorental.ie/

Greg McGarry of Boomerangtrackers.com
Greg has given me a GPS tracker to be fitted to the next motorcycle. Please take a look at the new trackers available. They are not just for motorcycles. They have a 2 month battery life!
www.boomerangtracker.com

Jim O’Regan and Family of Ceol Na Mara
Jim and his family have a very nice Bed and Breakfast located in the town of Enniscrone on the Atlantic coast north of Balina. The rooms were clean and comfortable, the view was increadible and the traditional Irish breakfast was just what a traveler needs in the morning. I will never forget watching the surfers while the sun set over this beautiful town.
http://www.ceol-na-mara.com/


Jim and family

Jackie and Brian Morgan of the Atlantic Villa
Jackie and Brian bought the Atlantic Villa in Knightstown Valentia Island about 4 years ago. Since then they have been renovating it while keeping the history and charm alive. The Atlantic Villa used to be house of the “Cable Master” for the Trans-Atlantic telegraph line that was Valentia Island (most western inhabited point in Europe) to Heart's Content Newfoundland ( the most eastern point in North America). The views of the surrounding garden, town and island are incredible. Be sure to share a pint with Jackie and Brian at Boston's Pub a short walk from the Atlantic Villa. The muscles there are great. They also serve the traditional Irish breakfast and do a fine job of it!
http://www.anirishexperience.com/


Brian, Jackie and I

The John Murray Show on RTE Radio 1
Not once but twice John Murray had Peter and I call into his show. Within an hour I received over 30 emails from people offering Bed and Breakfast, and any other help you can think of. They even put a picture of my KTM that was stolen on their web page. Thanks again John.
http://www.rte.ie/radio1/thejohnmurrayshow/

Paul (and community) from UKGSer
Paul set up a fund raising thread on UKGSer to scrape together some money to help me out. Paul and Lucy met up with Peter and I on our way into the UK. Paul handed me an envelope with £700 in it. It was all I could do to keep from tearing up. Thank you all.
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311061



John Mitchinson of Rally-Raid Products UK
John called me when he heard of my misfortune and said he had a KTM 690 with a Michigan plate on it sitting in his shop. I was able to contact the owner Luke Swab http://www.lukeandnick.com/ and work out a deal with him. John has helped me with a shop, tools, parts, food, a place to stay and some great stories!
http://www.rally-raidproducts.co.uk/


This is the 2nd Gen RR tank/fairing kit. The prototype. As Gunner said "get off that thing before it gets stolen" (my new 690 is in the back ground)


My "new" 2008 KTM 690 enduro E.

There are countless people who have helped to try to get my bike back. I am not sure if I will ever see her again but I am forever great full of you who have helped. You know who you are.

I know I am going to miss something but there were countless other people on the Internet who shared my story on Facebook (Waterford Harley posted my email and it was shared 280 times), Biker.ie, HorizonsUnlimited.com, ADVrider.com, Broadsheet.ie, even the Irish times.

My first night in Ireland I felt alone and helpless. I was considering going home and quitting my trip all together. In the past few weeks I have learned just how much support, love and hospitality that Ireland has to offer. My one regret is that I was not able to stay longer. I will return to see the people and places I missed and the new friends whom I might not have met.

Thank you.
Noah

PS. Now I can get back to my ride report.

[hardwaregrrl]

Glad you're back where you belong!!! Can't wait for the next installment.! Hows the food in Ireland?

[Seppo]

man, those bastards. i got a bike stolen from me a few years ago. i was travelling australia and a few days before i was going to end the trip, someone stole it from the motel i was staying for a few days. police said there is only little hope, so i was flying home.
one year later i get a call from the embassy. they found my bike, in a good shape! with the help of some inmates here, i managed to sell it (i´m in europe) and the new owner is happy with it.
never give up the hope!

btw, if you´re heading for austria sometime, contact me. may have a room and a garage for you!

[wachs]

What a tale - so glad you're back in business!

Roost on bro

[CamelBill]

This is awesome Noah. Know that there were literally thousands following your story, glad to see it getting back on track. Looking forward to your next installment, and best wishes for the continuation of your RTW adventure.

[pdxbrit]

[Throttlemeister]

Great outcome

[ericGSsti]

Subscribed. Best of luck.

[c-zulu]

[NZ Adventure]

It is now fair to say you have had a proper adventure!! You have met people you wouldn't have, got to know how truly loyal this biking fraternity really is and I am sure that all of us on here are inspired at your courage to carry on (I am sure many of us would have quit and gone home). I do hope you are reunited with your machine though....good luck with that.

I am from the UK and now living in NZ but my family originate from Ireland, and as you can testify the people of Ireland are without doubt some of the nicest and most caring people on planet. One scrotum has tried to ruin that perception and I am impressed that these generous people stood up and helped out.

I hope you make it to NZ and look forward to catching up!! Good luck and safe travels.